Spain, Netherlands, Austria stress urgent need for climate action

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Spain, the Netherlands and Austria called Wednesday for urgent measures to tackle the climate crisis, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain at the UN High-Level Event on Climate Action.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that almost 200,000 hectares (494,210 acres) have burned across Europe this year, marking the hottest summer on record.

"The climate emergency is moving forward, and yet the ambition to face it, unfortunately, is backsliding, and this is unacceptable," he said, stressing the need to submit updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

"Because our lives depend on it," Sanchez stressed.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof emphasized the importance of international cooperation and long-term commitment since the Paris Agreement.

"I think it's fair to say that much has been achieved, but not enough. More action and more international cooperation is essential to ensure a livable environment and to secure livelihoods for today's generation and for many generations to come," he said.

He further noted that the green transition presents opportunities for investment in renewable energy, water management and food security.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen highlighted Austria's domestic progress, including a 14% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over three consecutive years.

He said Austria is finalizing a new climate law aiming for climate neutrality by 2040, a decade ahead of the European Union’s target.

"Like many other countries, we also face budgetary constraints, but inaction would end up being far more expensive than investing now in a climate-neutral economy," Van der Bellen added.